Fayetteville Board of Education
Minutes of the October
23, 2003 Regular Meeting
The meeting convened at 5:00 PM in the Adams Leadership Center with President Steve Percival presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by students from Washington Elementary School.
The roll was called and board members Shannon McCuin, Laura Underwood, Howard Hamilton, Steve Percival, Susan Heil, Malcolm McNair and Christine Bell were present.
Alan Wilbourn reported that this is the official public meeting to discuss the district’s strategic plan as required annually by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Christine Bell made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mike Gray, associate superintendent, introduced and thanked the steering committee, work group participants, and Nicole Westerman for all the work that has been done on the capital plan. Dr. Lisa Morstad, chief financial officer, reported on how the strategic plan prompted the district to look at a ten-year plan. Nicole Westerman from Public Financial Management gave a brief overview of the planning process. Robert Guadagnini, GIS program coordinator, presented enrollment projections, which predict an increase of 1,238 students over the next five years. Dr. Morstad then reported on the ten-year viability of existing buildings.
Jeff Koenig announced the following recommendations of the Long Term Capital Planning Steering Committee:
1. Classroom additions to Asbell, Holcomb, Butterfield, and Vandergriff.
2. Plan immediate construction of a new K-7 school to replace 73-year old Jefferson Elementary.
3. Implement projects identified at Happy Hollow and Washington Elementary Schools.
4. Monitor access and safety conditions of Leverett Elementary School and limit capital investment at this facility pending long-term facility viability study.
5. Immediate exploration of the feasibility of combining East and West Campus to the East Campus location.
6. Identify and acquire land for future new high school.
The committee will continue to refine the plan and prioritize capital projects in the district while holding meetings with citizen groups for feedback on the plan. A report will be made to the Board for approval in January or February.
Dr. Morstad asked the board for approval of a bonus for district employees. Certified staff members who work a 185-day contract will receive a $2,000 bonus (before taxes and teacher retirement). This amount will be pro-rated for a shorter or longer contract, but will not exceed $2,400. Non-certified contracted staff members will receive a bonus equivalent to 5.3% of their gross salary, also with a cap of $2,400. Dr. Morstad added that the district is able to provide the bonus due to conservative budgeting. Laura Underwood made a motion to approve the bonus for district employees. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Dr. Morstad also presented the monthly financial report for the district and reported that there were no areas of concern.
Steve Percival, board president, emphasized that the Vision 2006 Strategic Plan is critical as the district begins planning for the future. Dr. Bobby New, superintendent, noted that work on a strategic plan for the district began in 2002 and that few changes have been made to the vision, mission and strategic goals. Vision 2006 includes a core ideology, which consists of a core purpose and core values. Dr. New recommended approval of the Strategic Plan Vision 2006. Malcolm McNair made a motion to approve Vision 2006. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Debra Wilson, special education director, asked for approval of the special education budget for the 2003-04 school year. This budget is included in the district budget but has to be approved separately. Susan Heil made a motion to approve the special education 2003-04 budget. Howard Hamilton seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Ms. Wilson also asked for approval of two federal SLIVER grants. One is asking for continuation of activities that we have implemented with a primary focus on staff development. The other grant is for a new project, which emphasizes instructional strategies to improve achievement. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve the application for both SLIVER grants. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad asked for approval of the QZAB Bond Agreement between the Fayetteville School District and U.S. Bank National Association for $1,059 million in bonds. Malcolm McNair made a motion to allow the execution of the QZAB bond agreement. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Dr. Lisa Morstad asked for approval of two resolutions regarding the district’s cafeteria plan with USAble Life and Select Data Services as the 3rd party administrator. The first resolution allows district employees to participate in the health and dependent care flexible spending account plan. The second resolution allows the inclusion of certain over the counter drugs in the health care reimbursement plan. Howard Hamilton made a motion to approve both resolutions. Christine Bell seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote.
Mike Gray presented information regarding the purchase of two Type D 84 passenger buses. The low base bid was presented by Merl’s Bus Sales. There are two air conditioning options. The first option is for free flow at the front of the bus and the second option is a ducted system. Mr. Gray noted that the current buses are 1992 and 1993 models and have 150,000 miles on them. The district currently has three activity buses and this purchase would replace two of them. Christine Bell made a motion to order two activity buses with air conditioning option #2 from Merl’s Bus Sales. Shannon McCuin seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote. Board member Malcolm McNair added that the district needs to set criteria for use of the buses.
Howard Hamilton made a motion to adjourn. Laura Underwood seconded the motion, which passed by a 7-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 PM.
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Stephen M. Percival, President Christine Bell, Secretary